Not an exhaustive list, but here are things I’ve enjoyed lately:
Historical Fiction
Mistress of Rome
: I will read anything with Rome in it, but this story was unexpectedly interesting, about a Jewish slave in the time of mad Emperor Domitian. Romans were fabulous! Also pretty horrible. This book weighs in more on the horrible side, but it has at least one noble senator in it, and I’m all about the noble senators. -_-
The Sekhmet Bed (The She-King)
: Indie historical fiction set in Ancient Egypt about the mother of Hapshetsut… rich and evocative and fascinating. Well worth the $3.
Fantasy
The Cloud Roads (The Books of the Raksura)
: If you’re a fan of my aliens-without-human stories, check out this book, which begins the Raksura series; the viewpoint character is a Raksura, a shapechanging flying race with a fabulous society. Great world-building in this one. The publisher just axed the series, but the first three books complete a story arc, so plunge in before they destroy something wonderful.
The Darwath Trilogy: The Time of the Dark, The Walls of Air, and The Armies of Daylight
. Barbara Hambly puts the grim and dark in grimdark in a way that makes other people who claim to carry the flag look like ponies-and-rainbows types. And yet I liked this portal fantasy for its characters and the authenticity of its world. Plus, I loved the old wizard and his summer/winter romance.
Sword-Dancer (Tiger and Del)
. Jennifer Roberson’s backlist is finally making it to e-book format. While only three of her eight (I think?)-book Cheysuli series are available, her fun “odd couple” barbarian-swordsman/cool civilized woman fighter fantasy can be purchased in its entirety. This is book 1, and it makes for great Saturday afternoon entertainment.
Music, Kid-Friendly
Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride
. This song from Lilo & Stitch is adorable. Have you heard it? Child and I love it.
Music, Adult
The Infidel
. I am terribly fond of the Republic Tigers. While waiting (interminably) for their new album, I’m listening to this early release.
Kickstarter and IndieGoGo
The Copper Centurion. The author of the steampunk Roman (see? Rome? Rome good!) fantasy returns with book 2.
Send Anji to Horse Camp. This one actually benefits two people I know; Angela Hunt, who wants to go to Camp Lippizan to photograph horses, and Judith Tarr, author of historical fantasies, who runs the farm. Prizes include stock photography and prints.
Bats in Need. Help feed some flying foxes, get adorable flying fox gear. This campaign includes blood-pressure-lowering/productivity-enhancing photographs of adorable baby bats in blankets.
Anyway, some stuff to check out. If you wind up picking up any of it and want to fan-chat about it, I’m all ears!
